Your guide to food, fun and more in German Village
Past and Present
Today, German Village is one of Columbus’ most desirable neighborhoods, full of cafes, restaurants, and million-dollar homes. But beneath its cobblestone streets and brick homes lies a history of hardship, near-demolition, and a community determined to rebuild.
In the mid-1800s, German immigrants settled in the South End, known to them as Die Alte Sud End. For decades, the community thrived with German-speaking schools, shopkeepers, churches, and a wealth of bier gartens. Life here was comfortable for nearly a century.
In 1923, new zoning laws designated the South End for industrial and commercial use. The character of the neighborhood—where homes and businesses had existed side by side—began to erode.
And by the 1950s, following anti-German sentiment and an economic nadir for the area, German Village had fallen into such disrepair that the city classified much of it as a slum. One-third of the neighborhood, between Main Street and Livingston Avenue, was bulldozed to make way for the interstate.
It was Frank Fetch who changed the course. In 1960, after restoring a small cottage, he helped establish the German Village Society to advocate for preservation and rehabilitation. At the time, it was considered a radical idea, but their work saved the neighborhood. Today, German Village is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the most celebrated historic districts in the country.
Drinks and Dining
Lindey’s
169 E. Beck St.
Since 1981, Lindey’s has defined polished dining in German Village with classic decor, perfectly cooked steaks, and one of the city’s best patios.
Hey Hey Bar & Grill
361 E. Whittier St.
Family-owned since 1900, this former Prohibition speakeasy is best known for cheap beers and legendary sauerkraut balls.
Barcelona
263 E. Whittier St.
This Spanish-inspired spot brings tapas and paella to a historic 1895 building, complete with its original oak bar and a can’t-miss happy hour.
Katzinger’s Delicatessen
475 S. 3rd St.
A Village institution for over 40 years, Katzinger’s serves New York–style deli fare—latkes, knishes, matzo ball soup, and homemade bagels—inside an 1827 storefront.
Beck Tavern
284 E. Beck St.
Tiny and cozy with dart boards, wood booths, and dirt-cheap drinks, this no-frills dive is German Village’s go-to for a laid-back night out.
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus
240 E. Kossuth St.
Since 1886, Schmidt’s has drawn crowds for its Autobahn Buffet of sausages and sauerkraut, plus cream puffs the size of your head.
Attractions
Frank Fetch Park
228 E. Beck St.
A pocket-sized park tucked between historic homes, featuring gorgeous flowers, brick walkways, decorative gas lights, picnic tables, and a small patch of green space for pets.
Schiller Park
1069 Jaeger St.
Once a gathering spot in the 1800s, Schiller remains the heart of the neighborhood. It hosts garden tours, festivals, Shakespeare performances, a playground, tennis courts, a recreation center, and even the occasional pig-walking neighbor (if you know, you know).
Haus und Garten Tour
Every summer for more than 60 years, residents have opened their homes and gardens for this showcase of the neighborhood’s character and architecture. Tickets go on sale each spring.
Village Lights
588 S. 3rd St.
If you’ve always wanted to experience something you’d only find in a Hallmark movie, make sure to get to the annual Village Lights on December 7th, where the streets of German Village glow with candles, cocoa, and carolers. Many of the businesses, such as Schmidt’s and Lindey’s, go all out for this event, even warming the hearts of certified Grinches.
Shopping
Helen Winnemore’s
150 E. Kossuth St.
A quirky, long-standing shop that focuses on American artisans, Helen Winnemore’s has been a German Village staple since it was first established in 1966. Visitors can find whimsical art pieces, jewelry, ceramics, and much more.
Vernacular
177 E. Beck St.
While most boutiques are reserved for neighborhoods such as The Short North, Vernacular serves as a hotspot for trendy women’s apparel and accessories.
The Book Loft
631 South Third St.
Visitors from around the world come to tour this labyrinth for booklovers, equipped with 32 rooms filled to the brim with new books of every genre.
The Red Stable
223 E. Kossuth St.
Once a horse livery, now home to over 100 local artists and vendors selling gifts, art, and OSU memorabilia.
The Plant Gays
220 Thurman Ave.
Fresh flowers, luxury candles, and rare house plants and ceramic accessories can be found at this stylish storefront.
The Cakehound
1147 Jaegar St.
With all of the options for pastries for humans around the area, there has to be a spot for cupcakes and cookies for your dogs, too. The Cakehound offers cakes and beautifully decorated treats for your four-legged best friends, along with cute pet accessories.
Hausfrau Haven
769 S. 3rd St.
Hosting some friends? Stop into this neighborhood staple for global wines, beers, and even cocktail accessories such as olive juice and Luxardo cherries!
Next Door Neighbors
Merion Village
Must try: Bake Me Happy, 500 E. Whittier St.
Brewery District
Must try: Law Bird, 740 S. High St.
Steelton Village
Must try: The Fort, 2000 S. High St.
Reeb-Hosack
Must try: Tio’s Mexican American Restaurant & Cantina, 1881 S. High St.
A Local’s Perspective
“My husband, and I decided to move to German Village last summer after living in a suburb for over 18 years! We were officially empty nesters and we absolutely love the history of German Village, the aesthetics, the walkability to so many restaurants, bike trails, and accessibility to Downtown and all the event offerings! We could not be happier! – Susan Huffman-Tracz
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